How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers love its simple style and top-quality, genuine leather upholstery.

But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six useful ways to tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.

1. Take a look at the label

Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb body oils, making it ideal for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. In fact, some retailers have been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.

To ensure that you don't get ripped off, it's important to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than happy to provide you with this information So don't hesitate inquire!

The first step in identifying authentic leather sofas is to examine the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers will have clear policies regarding return or exchange in case you aren't satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have a label you can still confirm its authenticity by looking at the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine whether it has any bumps or imperfections, because these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or leather that has been bonded.

Another way to test the quality of a sofa is the surface of the sofa by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Bonded or faux leather is more coarse and feels like suede. You should also be able feel the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than a imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. You can reduce the damage caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.

2. Look to the back

If the label does not tell you what type of leather is in the sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The scent, the feel, and back will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.

When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels completely smooth suggests it could be fake leather.

Another thing to be aware of is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it's likely to have a few bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means it's able to breathe, ensuring that the leather doesn't get dry and cracked over time.

Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scars. A genuine leather sofa will be soft and slightly stiff when it's new, but it should not crack or dry out over time if it is regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.

Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas', such as the seats, arm rests and backs are made from real leather while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine leather, you should look closely at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.

Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather, you need to get up close and close to it. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional sign of its high-quality. While most faux leather couches make use of various materials for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is smooth to the touch, but isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a rich, natural smell. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality imitations.

Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this on genuine top-grain leather, it's likely a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.

The label and price may provide an idea however the only reliable method to determine is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel uneven to the touch. It may also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's made with authentic materials.

Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a great choice for families who have children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in various prices.

Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for years. The two-seater is on the pricey side but it's constructed of top-quality leather that can last for a long time. This is a great choice for those with a limited space as it comes in three sizes and can fit in the majority of rooms.

If you're looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features a sleek, angular design with a round pillow and a sleek frame. The sofa is made from plywood, composite, and plastic. The leather is only used in the seating area. It's an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.


4. Look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct scent. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it is a sign that it isn't genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to treat leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been constructed.

You can determine the quality of the leather by running your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonding.

Alternately, you can open one of the cushions and look at the backing. Faux and bonded hides will have a polyurethane back to help support the upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, it's an obvious sign that the couch isn't genuine leather.

Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic the best method is to hold it up against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails and the leather should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.

Another way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and look at the back of the sofa. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.

Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it will last before you decide on the right. The more you use your sofa in a given time, the more it'll need to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific leather conditioner to help keep the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.